The holidays are in full swing at Disney World means over-the-top decorations, plenty of new merchandise, and delicious festive treats.
But did you know that you don’t even need a park ticket to enjoy the festivities? Disney Springs is the shopping center inside Disney World, and it’s got tons of gift shops, dining, and even some attractions. For the holiday season, you can find decorations, themed treats, and the popular Christmas Tree Stroll here. But that’s not all — you don’t want to miss the most Christmas-y event of the year at Disney Springs!
Santa Claus is coming to town — er — Disney Springs!
Although there are plenty of spots to see the big man in red inside the Disney World parks, you’ll also be able to find Santa at Disney Springs, inside the Once Upon a Toy gift shop.
You can meet Santa at Once Upon a Toy on November 12th through December 14th from 10AM to 9PM. He’s staying a little later from December 15th through December 24th, when he’ll be there from 10AM to 11PM.
There will be a virtual queue to meet Santa, which means you can head inside the gift shop to join the queue, and then you’ll be able to shop around (or grab a delicious treat) while you wait for your turn.
Santa will be here greeting guests and taking pictures. The meet-and-greet is physically distanced, and there will be PhotoPass photographers available if you want your picture taken with Santa professionally. Digital downloads of those photos are available to purchase through the My Disney Experience app. Or you can bring your phone or camera to take a selfie with Mr. Claus. Disney has announced that masks will be required for this meet-and-greet.
Keep following DFB for more updates on the holiday festivities in Disney World!
Click Here to See the VERY Unique Thanksgiving Meal Coming to Disney Springs This Year
DON'T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC
Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.
It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including:
- The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season
- How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!)
- ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM.
- And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat!
Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT.
MORE Disney World Holiday INFO!
Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest holiday news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Are you planning to meet Santa this holiday season? Let us know in the comments!







Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
A new store is coming to Disney Springs SOON.
Here are 11 FREE options to do instead so you can still enjoy the Christmas...
Disney World will likely announce two big closures in 2026.
Extended Evening Hours are getting a bit of a change in January 2026 -- we...
If you're heading to EPCOT soon, these are five World Showcase hacks that have officially...
There is a reason Disney fans will pay top dollar for desserts on their next...
We asked our readers from the UK what they in the United Kingdom pavilion in...
Want to get prime viewing for Disneyland's limited-time Christmas parade without spending the whole day...
Here's a look into the Walt Disney Company's earnings report.
There's a NEW kind of Disney advent calendar hitting the scene just in time for...
These things are missing from Pop Century's refurbishment and some fans aren't going to like...
Want to know which fast food restaurants qualify for the Dining Plan in Disney World?...
Here's the FULL TOUR of THE most expensive hotel in Disney World!
Heads up! There's a new virtual queue coming to Disney World this week.
Today, we're going to focus on tips for securing your perfect Lightning Lane Multi Passes...
Disney just teased some major changes planned for Disney+ -- here's what you need to...
Brrr! If you’re in Florida right now, you might be feeling the cold weather blowing...
The Christmas Tree has arrived on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland! Get a first look...
New Starbucks Holiday mugs have arrived online!
It's time to see what Grandma is cookin' up this year at Grandma's Recipes --...